i think my starter relay is bad and i was wondering what the symptoms would be? It would make the truck not crank, right? This is a stupid question but just wondering if there was any other symptoms or a way to "jump" the relay? [img]images/graemlins/lame.jpg[/img]

The solenoid has two small posts, with a red wire on one and a light blue wire on the other, at least on my '78.

When you turn the switch to the start position there should be 12 volts on the blue wire. To bypass the entire electrical system you can run a jumper wire from the positive battery post to the terminal the blue wire is on.

There are many possible points of failure. The most common is probably a bad connection on one of the high-current cables, hot or ground. Also the solenoid case has to be grounded. If it's not, that will keep anything from happening, even if you jump to the blue terminal.

Solenoids are pretty reliable. When they fail it's usually the contacts inside. In that case it will click when you turn the key, but nothing more will happen.

C'mon man. 3 ignition threads, not including this one?!? [img]images/graemlins/chair.gif[/img]

As I described in your ignition module thread, the starter solenoid is just a plunger trying to communicate battery voltage from one lateral post to the starter motor on the other lateral post. It will only do that if it sees voltage on the I and S terminals (N/S Switch too for autoT). You'll have to read the other thread for more details.

If you want to jump the solenoid, turn the key to ON. Jump the BATT+ terminal to the Starter Motor terminal. Use a screwdriver, pliers, wire, whatever. Wear insulated gloves if not using a screwdriver and try to only use one hand (if you goof up, two hands can communicate shock across your chest - not good for heart). It should crank when you do this. The purpose of the key being ON is to keep it running after you jump it. If this is not desired, jump it with the key OFF.

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